The joy of a vibrant Easter Sunday celebration in Birmingham, Alabama, turned to unimaginable tragedy on April 20, 2025, when a family gathering filled with laughter, a moonwalk, a waterslide, and an Easter egg hunt ended in the death of 27-year-old Mickese James Bostic. The father of five, known for his boundless love for his children and his flair for hosting grand celebrations, was fatally run over by an SUV driven by his longtime girlfriend, 30-year-old Shatice Renae Jackson. The incident, which unfolded in front of their children and dozens of loved ones, has left a community grappling with grief and questions about what led to such a devastating outcome. Jackson, now charged with capital murder, insists through her attorney that she did not intend to kill Bostic, the man she shared children with and a life intertwined with both love and conflict.

The day began with promise at Bostic’s home in the 700 block of Lisa Lane in the Roebuck Springs area of Birmingham. Bostic, a dedicated officer at Jefferson County Family Court, had gone all out to celebrate Easter and his youngest daughter’s seventh birthday. Up to 50 guests gathered for a day of festivities, with slabs of ribs, games, and a festive atmosphere. Bostic, described by his sister Katherine as someone who “loved doing things big,” was in his element, ensuring everyone felt the warmth of family. But as the evening wore on, tensions surfaced. Jackson and Bostic, who had a complex relationship marked by shared parenthood and past disagreements, engaged in an argument. Initially, police determined nothing criminal had occurred, and Jackson left the scene. However, she later returned, and what followed would shatter the lives of those present.

Around 9:50 p.m., Birmingham Police Department’s East Precinct received a call about shots fired at the residence. As officers responded, the situation escalated with reports that a woman was attempting to run over a man. When police arrived, they found a chaotic scene: Jackson’s SUV had collided with the house, and Bostic was pinned beneath the vehicle, his body trapped against the structure. Birmingham Fire and Rescue pronounced him dead at 10:21 p.m. Witnesses, including Bostic’s children, recounted the horror of watching the tragedy unfold. His 9-year-old son, standing on the front porch, saw the SUV come to a stop with his father caught underneath. Katherine Bostic, Mickese’s sister, described the scene as “awful,” noting the family’s desperate but futile efforts to save him. At least one of the couple’s children was present during the incident, a factor that elevated the charge against Jackson to capital murder, as Alabama law considers the presence of a child during such an act an aggravating circumstance.

Jackson, who was not at the scene when police first arrived, returned later and was taken into custody. Authorities learned that after the initial argument, she had retrieved a firearm and may have fired a shot, though it remains unconfirmed whether the shot was aimed at someone or fired into the air. Detectives determined the argument began outside and remained there, culminating in Jackson entering her vehicle and driving into Bostic, causing the fatal collision. She was booked into Birmingham City Jail on a 48-hour felony extension and later transferred to Jefferson County Jail, where she remains without bond. On April 23, Jackson made her first court appearance before Judge William Bell. She appeared composed, even smiling at times, and informed the court that her mother had secured an attorney for her. The hearing was rescheduled for April 30 to allow her attorney time to file a notice of appearance.

Jackson’s attorney has maintained that the incident was not intentional, painting a picture of a heated moment that spiraled out of control. The defense argues that Jackson, a mother to Bostic’s children, had no premeditated intent to kill, and the tragedy stemmed from a volatile domestic dispute. This claim has sparked debate in the community, with some questioning how such a devastating act could be unintentional, while others point to the complexities of relationships strained by conflict. Birmingham police, in their ongoing investigation, continue to interview witnesses and analyze forensic evidence, noting that the case remains fluid as new details emerge. The incident marked Birmingham’s 25th homicide of 2025, a stark reminder of the city’s struggle with violence, which saw a record 159 homicides in 2024.

For Bostic’s family, the loss is immeasurable. Mickese was a man who “put his kids before everything,” according to his sister Brennita. His love for his children was evident in the care he took to make the Easter celebration memorable. The image of his children witnessing his death has left an indelible scar, with Katherine lamenting, “We saw everything. The kids saw everything.” As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns a devoted father and grapples with the complexities of a case that underscores the devastating consequences of domestic disputes. Jackson’s next court appearance will likely shed further light on her defense, but for now, the focus remains on a family forever changed by a single, tragic moment.